When Men Murder Women (1997 Data): New Mexico

The homicide rate among females murdered by males in New Mexico was 1.83 per 100,000 in 1997

Ranked 15th highest in the United States

AgeTwo victims (13 percent) were less than 18 years old, and 1 victim (6 percent) was 65 years of age or older.

Race and EthnicityOut of 16 female murder victims, 12 were white, 3 were American Indian or Alaskan native, and 1 was Asian or Pacific Islander. Under ethnic classification, none of the women were categorized as being of Hispanic origin.

Most Common WeaponsWeapons were identified for all 16 cases. Of the 16 female homicides, 44 percent (7 victims) were shot and killed with guns. Five of these gun victims (71percent) were killed with handguns. There were 2 females killed with knives or other cutting instruments, and 6 killed with bodily force. The remainder of cases involved other non-firearm weapons.

Victim/Offender RelationshipThe relationship was identified for all 16 cases. More than 9 out of 10 female victims (15 victims or 94 percent) were murdered by someone they knew. Only 1 female victim (6 percent) was killed by a stranger. Of the victims who knew their offenders, 80 percent (12 victims) were wives, common-law wives, ex-wives, or girlfriends of the offenders. Among the 12 female intimates murdered, 50 percent (6 victims) were killed with guns; 67 percent of these gun victims (4 victims) were shot and killed with handguns.

CircumstanceIn cases in which the circumstance of the homicide could be identified (15 cases), none of the cases were related to the commission of any other felony. Of these cases, 87 percent (13 cases) involved arguments between the victim and offender.

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